Getting back to the Multistrada 950S. Now, this particular model is at the end of its lifecycle and will soon be replaced by the Multistrada V2. The new model, however, is mostly a nomenclature upgrade, to match the Multistrada V4 name, and essentially will be the same motorcycle underneath. This baby-Multistrada may not pack as many cylinders or displacement as my current favourite adventure tourer, the Multistrada V4 S, but it’s no slouch. With 113bhp and 94Nm on the tap, this mini-Multi is adequately fast. We have already done a detailed road-test review of the motorcycle, and you can read all about it here.
To say that the Multistrada 950S is a comfortable motorcycle to tour would be an understatement. With its meaty power delivery, comprehensive windblast protection, and friendly ergonomics, the Multistrada 950S is designed to munch miles. So, the run between Satara and Belgaum was like a hot knife slicing through butter. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s address the character trait that I spoke about in the introduction.
The Multistrada 950S, albeit the smallest in the family, is still a large motorcycle. The tall seat height and the heavy weight did not suit my average Indian physique, and I was sweating buckets, trying to filter through the aforementioned traffic. I could not wait to get out from the sea of vehicles, and took every possible opportunity to make my way between the trucks and tempos. Things got hot, too, as it doesn’t get the same cylinder deactivation technology as its bigger sibling. But that’s where the complaints end and it was easy going soon after.
Once out on the open road, the Multistrada 950S felt remarkably easy to ride. It feels quick on feet and is easy to flick from one side to another and overtake vehicles ahead. Eventually, traffic nearly faded and the Multistrada 950S had open roads in front of it, and I made the most of the opportunity. Sticking to highway speeds is easy and venturing into the triple digits is effortless. Going through the gearbox is easy-peasy too, thanks to the quickshifter.
But eventually, my right hand got tired by the constant revving and braking. Luckily for me, the motorcycle packs a cruise control system. Sure, it doesn’t have the radar-based cruise control like the Multistrada V4S, but the basic tech works sufficiently well for a good chunk of the highway, giving some relief to my wrist. Soon, we switched from the highway and took the Belgaum exit to Goa.